What is the statistical information for the Class of 2021* (current entering class)?

The median undergraduate GPA for the Class of 2021 is 3.55 with the 25th and 75th percentile distribution between 3.32 and 3.72, respectively. The median LSAT for the class is 159 with the 25th and 75th percentile distribution between 157 and 161, respectively.

What is the earliest date candidates can submit applications?

What are the application deadlines?

To meet the deadlines, candidates must submit the application form, the application requirements, and the $60 application fee through the Law School Admission Council website. Applications submitted to LSAC for transmission to this law school will be considered post-marked on the day they are electronically submitted.

Applications may be submitted beginning on September 1 (the date our law school application opens). The J.D. program has three (3) application deadlines:

Early Decision* application deadline: October 19, 2018

*Early decision is a new application process for the 2018-19 admission cycle. The early decision application is binding; thus, if a candidate applies, and is subsequently admitted, he/she commits to enrolling at and attending the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law. If a candidate submits his/her completed early decision application by October 19, he/she will be notified of thier application status by November 9.

We recommend that candidates complete their file by January 15. All applications submitted and completed by March 10 will be reviewed during the regular admission process.

To meet the deadlines, candidates must submit the application form and the $60 application fee through the Law School Admission Council website. Applications submitted to LSAC for transmission to this law school will be considered post-marked on the day they are electronically submitted.

What is the Early Decision Application process?

The Early Decision Program (EDP) is designed for law school applicants who have determined that the S.J. Quinney College of Law is their first-choice law school. This decision—establishing the S.J. Quinney College of Law as one’s first-choice law school—should be the result of fully researching law school options. If after investigating law schools and determining that S.J. Quinney College of Law is your first-choice law school, you may then wish to apply through the EDP. NOTE: The EDP is a binding application program. This means that applicants applying through this program during the 2018-19 admission cycle, commit to enrolling at S.J. Quinney College of Law for 2019 Fall semester if admitted. You may read more about the EDP by clicking here.

When does the S.J. Quinney College of Law begin reviewing files?

When will applicants be notified of the admission decision?

After the committee begins reviewing files (in early November), decisions are generally made six (6) to eight (8) weeks after the date the applicant completes and submits the application. NOTE: If an applicant completes and submits his/her application before the admission committee begins reviewing applications, a decision on the file will not be made until six (6) to eight (8) weeks after early November.Back to top ↑

How are applicants notified of the admission decision?

Applicants are notified of a decision by mail. The Office of Admission will not email decisions or give them over the phone.

When are scholarships awarded?

In the regular admissions process, merit scholarships are awarded beginning in late January. NOTE: Scholarships notifications are sent separately from the admissions decision. All accepted candidates are considered for merit scholarships on the basis of their applications. Need-based scholarships require a separate application form that is made available to all admitted students. Need-based scholarships are typically awarded in late spring. For information on average awards for merit and need-based scholarships, please click here. There are also a number of privately-funded merit-based scholarships, fellowships and stipend programs available to second- and third-year students.

Are you a rolling admission school?

Who is on the Admissions Committee? How does it work?

The Admissions Committee is composed of rotating law faculty and the Associate Dean for Admissions. All files are reviewed in their entirety. There are no automatic “admit” or “deny” categories based on LSAT scores or undergraduate GPA. While there is an emphasis on a candidate’s academic record, the S.J. College of Law employs a holistic review of all applicant files, evaluating a multitude of factors beyond the LSAT and undergraduate GPA. Each committee member reviews applications individually; the committee does not meet as a body to discuss applicants.

If I have previously applied, do I need to re-register with the Credential Assembly Service?

How are multiple LSAT scores treated?

In situations where a candidate has multiple LSAT scores, the S.J. College of Law will presumptively use the highest score. The reviewer, however, may use the average score if information in the file indicates that the average score is the most appropriate measure of the candidate’s skills.

How long should my personal statement be? What should it contain?

There is no page limit. Most statements, however, are generally two-to-three typed double-spaced pages. An applicant should not feel confined to just two or three pages if he/she feels more space is needed to convey the information necessary to fully inform the reviewer. Candidates should use good judgement in determining the appropriate length of their statement. We leave the information to include up to the candidate. It can take any form he/she chooses. We use the personal statement to evaluate a candidate’s writing skill. The candidate should include anything he/she wishes to tell the admission committee about him or herself beyond test scores and grade point averages. Candidates should let the admissions committee know who the candidates are— unique strengths, talents, experiences, motivations, and aspirations. It’s the candidate’s opportunity to tell the admissions committee why, beyond his/her academic qualifications, the admission committee should admit him/her. Candidates should be creative and spend adequate time on their statement. If the candidate is very accomplished and has an extensive work background, he/she should not try to cram all of it in. Instead, he/she should expand on a few experiences or facts in detail.

What undergraduate course of study is best?

There is no pre-law curriculum, no magic formula. It is, however, vital that law students have a mastery of the English language. We look closely at the candidate’s transcript. Candidates should undertake an undergraduate program that develops their ability to speak and write about concepts clearly; their capacity to read complex material with precise understanding and attention to detail; and the power to reason, weigh facts, and solve problems. Candidates should choose courses that are challenging and are taught by instructors who insist on high standards of intellectual performance. In the humanities, it might be a major in English, political science, philosophy, or history. In the sciences, it might be physics, mathematics, biology, or chemistry. In engineering, it might be computing, materials science, or civil engineering. The curriculum the candidates choose (as well as the other activities they are involved in) should expose them to broad cultural experiences and a critical understanding of human values and institutions.

How can I set up a visit to the law school?

What if English is not my Native Language?

Applicants whose native language is not English must submit official test results from the TOEFL exam. The exam must have been administered 12 months from the time of the law school application. Candidates must contact the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and request that their TOEFL score be sent to LSAC to be incorporated into their Credential Assembly Service (CAS) report. TOEFL scores will be included in the International Credential Evaluation Document. LSAC’s TOEFL code for the CAS is 8395. NOTE: Candidates are not required to submit a TOEFL score if they have received a baccalaureate or graduate degree from an accredited U.S. college or university.